Lucia Savchick

Bio

Lucia holds a BA in Political Science and Russian from Dalhousie University, and studied Russian language in gorgeous Saint Petersburg. She currently lives and works in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and is interested in human security, culture, and transitioning states. More nonsense @arrowoblio

The Real Reason Why Putin's Bringing Back This Stalin-Era Fitness Test
By Lucia Savchick
Comrades, on your mark! Putin moved last week to revive a Soviet nationwide fitness program using leftover funds from the Sochi Olympics. Called "Ready for Labor and Defense," or GTO, the program was first introduced by Joseph Stalin in 1931, and…
Olympics Coverage Shows Just How Outdated America's View of Russia Still Is
By Lucia Savchick
NBC's coverage of the Olympic opening ceremonies drew heavy criticism, but no statement shocked American viewers like the branding of Communism as one of history's most pivotal experiments. Americans acted as if they had personally suffered in a…
The Real Reason Why Pussy Riot Has Been Freed From Prison
By Lucia Savchick
Vladimir Putin dropped a casual bomb on the international community on Thursday when, during an annual press Q&A, he announced his intent to release political prisoner Mikhail Khodorkovsky. The announcement came on the heels of sweeping amnesty…
Meet Vitali Klitschko, the Heavyweight Champion Who Could Be Ukraine's Next President
By Lucia Savchick
In the midst of the upheaval in Kiev's Maidan square, one man stands particularly tall. At 6'7," Vitali Klitschko towers over his supporters and opposition alike, and has emerged as a top contender for Ukraine's next presidential race. But hes no…
Inside Putin's Plan to Dominate the World's Oil and Gas Markets
By Lucia Savchick
Vladmir Putin once called the collapse of the Soviet Union “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century.” But in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, a new economic union, aimed at collecting the scattered pieces of the Russian Empire, is…
Putin’s Presidency May Not Survive the Next Five Years
By Lucia Savchick
Vladimir Putin’s presidency may not survive the next five years. The trial of Alexei Navalny has brought a new and unique challenge for his regime, and the president will be unable to use old-world-style power to silence his latest political…